ABIES EXCELSA. 
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n 
O 
cone (still green) three or four different stages towards this rhomboidal shape may be observed on the 
same cone. At the base nearly rhomboidal, and denticulated at the apex, as in fig. io; near the middle 
almost round, but denticulate, as in fig. 11 ; near the apex more ovate, as 
in fig. 12 ; and oblong ovate at the very point, as in figs. 13 and 14. All 
these figures are drawn from the same cone. At the apex of each, a 
slight denticulation is perceptible. The brad is short, obtusely conical¬ 
shaped [figs. 15 and 16]. The seeds [fig. 17] are small, dark brown; the 
Q 
Fig. 15 - 
Fig. 16. 
wings are oval, semi-transparent pale; and at the base envelop the lower side of the seed, 
seven to nine. 
Fig. 17. 
Cotyledons 
Var. Carftathica, Loudon.—This is a variety from the Carpathian Mountains, differing from the 
ordinary form of the Norway Spruce in some trifling respeds. Its foliage is rather lighter in colour; 
the leaves are rather more obtuse [fig. 18]; the rows of 
stomata are rather more close, and usually five instead of 
four on each side of the middle of the leaf [fig. 19.] The 
branchlets [fig. 20] are slightly pubescent, and the cones are 
rather larger than those of the Spruce. Mr Archibald Fowler, 
the gardener and forester at Castle Kennedy, describes it, from 
the young plants there, which have reached upwards of 20 
feet in height, as being somewhat more robust in habit than the typical Spruce F ir; its outline more 
irregular and less conical; single branches rather thin of foliage, frequently projecting beyond the 
general mass, giving it a stiff and rugged appearance; the foliage longer, thinner, more glaucous, and 
standing more eredt from the branch than does that of the Spruce. “ The general appearance of the 
tree,” says Mr Fowler,-“is very distindt, as seen here, being surrounded with numerous Spruce Firs, 
planted about the same time.” 
Fig. 18. Fig. 19. Fig. 20. 
Var. nigra , Loudon.—This, although probably only an accidental variety perpetuated, has more 
claims, so far as definable charadters go, to be considered a 
distinct species. The foliage is of a rich dark green, the tree 
a strong grower; the leaves are very obtuse [figs. 21 and 22] ; 
the branchlets pubescent; the pulvini not much smaller 
[fig. 23] ; the cones larger than in the normal Spruce, and 
more rugged in appearance ; the scales more apiculate, although 
still truncate [figs. 24 and 25]. The brads are narrower and 
more parallel [fig. 26]. 
II 
Fig. 21. 
Fig. 22. 
Fig. 23. 
fD I 
Fig. 26. 
Fig. 27. 
Fig. 27 shews its seed. It is said to have been first observed in 
Studeley Park; and the country of its parents is unknown. 
Var. Clanbrasiliana, Loudon.—This is another variety, which 
there is little doubt is a sport of nature. It is the dwarf of Firs, 
apparently never reaching above 2, 3, or 4 feet in height. It has 
never borne fruit, consequently all the plants which are scattered over Britain, and probably over all 
the temperate world wherever gardens be, have been raised by cuttings or grafts from the one original 
plant. This is said to have been accidentally noticed (we presume, among other Spruces) on the estate 
of Moira, near Belfast, about the end of last century; and to have been first introduced into Britain by 
Lord Clanbrasil, whence its name. 
Its foliage is that of the Spruce, but much smaller, and with the leaves more acute [fig. 28]. There 
are only one^ to three rows of stomata on each side, on both faces of the leaf: the stomata are large 
[ 24 ] B m 
